Rita Olley (77) from Todmorden has a strong background in performance, with previous experience as a Coloratura Soprano. Her passion for music and singing has continued to this day and she now helps lead the Senior Moments Concert Party in Todmorden.
Having never made a professional recording of her many great performances, Rita approached the Think Again Fund to help her create a professional DVD of the senior concert party so that the performance will live on forever. The Think Again Fund got on board to help her do just that!
Nearly 50 years ago I was a professional singer, a Coloratura Soprano, and took part in seaside summer shows, pantomimes and many other performances. I had always wanted to star in a professional movie, but doing so was not an easy option in those days so I never got the chance.
Even at 77 and suffering with cancer I still managed to help start the Senior Moments Concert Party in Todmorden. The intention behind this was to go to local and surrounding district care homes to bring a little joy and fun into the lives of others. The concert has songs that even those with dementia join in and of course there are dances, comedy etc. We do these shows on average twice a month.
The Senior Moments Concert Party consists of one man and 8 ladies, the eldest being a feisty 88 year old. They are enthusiastic and unselfish and are a delight to be with and will try anything I ask of them.
The DVD is has been an ongoing dream of mine and I also see it as a way of saying thank you to the concernt for all their hard work, a lasting memory they can pass on to their grandchildren who should be rightly proud of them.
The wording on a card I received from a friend on my birthday this year was “growing older with dignity and grace is sensible, but the way you’re doing it is much more fun”. This sums up the Concert and was the inspiration for entering your competition.
